Important Message: Parking Impacts – Campus Redevelopment

Niagara College is currently investing $65 million in campus redevelopment initiatives at our Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake Campuses – exciting projects that will modernize our learning environments and significantly enhance our students’ experience.

While these projects will have minimal impact on parking at our Welland Campus, it will reduce the number of available spots in the existing Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus lots, especially during the construction period. To address this reduction, Niagara College has secured an additional lot at the Niagara Corporate Business Centre (former Foster Wheeler building), adjacent to the campus on the northeast side. Niagara College’s section of the lot, which will be indicated with signage, is easily accessible via the eastern portion of the on-campus lot, near the residence. This lot is available to Niagara College parking permit holders, and it will be staffed by attendants to assist students, faculty and visitors at the start of term.

Also, parking attendants will be on site at all campus lots to identify available spaces, and additional parking information will be available online.

Students, staff and visitors are also reminded to:

Allow extra time during the construction period, to ensure you are able to locate a parking space;

Buy your parking pass early;

Use public transit – all Niagara College students receive a U-Pass as part of their registration. U-Passes can be used with all Niagara region transit providers.

Revenue generated through parking permit sales supports the ongoing maintenance and staffing of on-campus parking lots, as well as snow clearing in the winter months, which is a significant expense. It’s important to note that among colleges and universities in southern Ontario, Niagara College parking permits are among the least expensive. Annual permit fees at other colleges and universities range from approximately $260 to $111.

Can I park at the Outlets of Niagara mall for free?

No. As per a Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake bylaw, Outlets of Niagara parking is for customers only, and the bylaw is strictly enforced.

What if I can’t find a parking spot?

Monitoring of our on-campus lots indicates that there are between 50-111 open spots at any given time. However, during some peak times throughout the day, there may be brief shortages. Important things to remember:

As indicated in the terms and conditions for permit holders, a permit does not guarantee a parking spot. On-campus parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Allow the appropriate amount of time to park.

A permit does not guarantee parking in a specific lot, and some lots may fill faster than others. During peak times you may not find a spot in your preferred lot.

What is the impact of campus construction projects on campus parking?

While the impact on parking at the Welland Campus is minimal, construction has resulted in a reduction in spaces at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus. To address this reduction, Niagara College has secured an additional lot adjacent to the campus on the northeast side (the Niagara Corporate Business Centre), and is easily accessible directly from campus.

Like any major construction project, some inconveniences – however temporary – are unavoidable. We’re taking any steps we can to minimize the impact. These projects are a significant investment in new and expanded facilities that will greatly modernize and transform our learning environments and facilities and enhance our students’ overall experience at Niagara College. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

What alternatives are there to on-campus parking?

Other options to consider include carpooling and public transit. Students receive a U-Pass as part of their registration, which can be used with any public transit provider in Niagara (learn more here: https://vnmanga.info/student-life/parking-and-transportation/.) Students at the Welland Campus can park at the Seaway Mall, 800 Niagara St., and take a Welland Transit bus directly to campus.